A DEBT and welfare advice centre under threat of closure has won a stay of execution.

Holbrooks Community Care Association has won emergency funding from Coventry city council to continue to help people facing difficulties.

The centre at The Park, Holbrooks Lane, advises on personal debt, benefits, finding work and gives computer training to 3,000 people a year.

But bosses say it could close if the cash-strapped city council refuses to renew its £41,000 annual grant, a third of its budget.

That review is taking place as part of a wider funding review of advice centres.

Council deputy leader, Conservative Kevin Foster, who controls finances, has thrown the centre a lifeline with an additional £12,000 until June.

That will provide a stop-gap until the outcome of the review and two applications for extra funding from the Lloyds TSB Foundation and Severn Trent Trust Fund.

Centre manager and Labour councillor Rachel Lancaster, said support from the council’s ruling Tories meant a stay of execution when 25 per cent more people were calling in for advice on debt problems.

She said people being made redundant were increasing the centre’s workload.

The centre, which employs six part-time staff, and volunteers, has cut back to three days a week.

Cllr Ann Lucas (Lab, Holbrook), the centre’s management committee chairman, said the centre was as important today as in the recession of the 80s when it opened.

She said: “We were facing a crisis and we’re pleased the council has recognised the centre’s excellent work. It’s the only place for people to go in Holbrooks and we’re determined to do all we can to provide them with the help they need.”

The centre also offers management support and other help to Holbrooks community centre and the local youth club, as well as a room for Henley College to provide IT courses.